Litsy

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Continue with the yearlong reads on the right

Pick up Lamentation again for #ShardlakeBR

I want to continue my audio, Weyward

I started Fundamentally earlier today. Once that‘s finished I want to start The Crossing Places unless Audition #camplitsy25 arrives from the library first

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dabbe

Lamentation | C.J. Sansom

#ShardlakeBR

#lamentation
Chapters 1-26

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

Daisey, Cuilin, Amiable, PurpleyPumpkin, Texreader, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Centique, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

lil1inblue The only thing I suspect is that the 3 missing men in the Lamentation case have something to do with the murder of the printer. But I don't have a why or a how. 😂 I'm utterly flummoxed. 5d

AnneCecilie Hopefully everything will be wrapped up nicely 5d

dabbe @lil1inblue Flummoxed is the word of the day! Exactly how I feel, and I've read it before! 🤣 5d

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dabbe @AnneCecilie 🤞🏻 5d

LiseWorks I have no idea. It's going to be a surprise that I won't see coming 5d

dabbe @LiseWorks 🎯🩵🎯 5d

Deblovestoread Looking forward to seeing if I‘m on the right path in any of my thinking. 4d

dabbe @Deblovestoread Such the fun with mysteries, right? 🤩 4d

Cheryl_Russell Nuts. Missed this discussion, again. When is the next one? 3d

dabbe @Cheryl_Russell You can still join in! Just comment and list all of our Litsy handles of those who participated above; that way we'll all be sure to see it and can comment back. The end of the book discussion will be on June 30th. 💚💜💚 3d

39 likes1 stack add10 comments

dabbe

Lamentation | C.J. Sansom

#ShardlakeBR

#lamentation
Chapters 1-26

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

Daisey, Cuilin, Amiable, PurpleyPumpkin, Texreader, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Centique, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

OutsmartYourShelf I once thought being a Tudor queen like Elizabeth would be ok, until I learned that even monarchs had very little privacy. I need my alone time! I read a book this month about the history of privacy & how life was so much more communal in Medieval England. Even in Tudor times, anyone wanting privacy was thought of as having something to hide rather than just enjoying their own company. (edited) 5d

lil1inblue And Henry had pursued her so relentlessly to begin with! Now she walks on eggshells for fear of losing his favor. H VIII really embodies everything I despise about the patriarchy. 5d

AnneCecilie I feel sorry for the Queen. Even as a Queen she doesn‘t have much power, and never knowing what is going to happen to you. After all your husband have had several of his previous wives killed. And also the King is way older than her 5d

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dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf @lil1inblue @AnneCecilie I just can't imagine how she was able to get up everyday and live her life. To live in such turmoil for your life every ... single ... day. And she had to grovel before the king in the presence of Gardiner and Wriothesely--beyond horrific. Henry was beyond heinous. How dumb are we humans throughout history to give one man such power. Ugh! 😩 5d

LiseWorks I can't believe how family with money manipulated everyone, including the king. We all blame Henry for what was done, but there were whispering in his ear at all times. You have to have an heir. You have to get rid of your wife. You must go to war. There is no money, so start taxing. On and on. Destroy the monastery. Kill so and so because he is declaring normal people can't read the Bible. 5d

dabbe @LiseWorks All excellent points. Ultimately, though, the buck stopped with him. And he'd listen to you one day and have your head cut off the next--talking to you, Cromwell. 5d

Deblovestoread I saw Six The Musical last month and I keep reminding myself she survives. lol 4d

dabbe @Deblovestoread At least by Harry's horrendous hand! 🤣 4d

42 likes8 comments

dabbe

Lamentation | C.J. Sansom

#ShardlakeBR

#lamentation
Chapters 1-26

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

Daisey, Cuilin, Amiable, PurpleyPumpkin, Texreader, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Centique, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

OutsmartYourShelf I would say those who constantly shift from one to another are worse as you would never know where you are with them. You couldn't trust them as they would throw you under the bus (horse & cart?) to save themselves & for political expediency. 5d

lil1inblue I find them equally bad, but in different ways. I agree with @OutsmartYourShelf about those who shift with the wind. But those who are so unshakable in their faith that they can't open their minds to other ideas or views can be equally harmful. They deal in absolutes. 5d

AnneCecilie I agree with @OutsmartYourShelf, you would never know if you can trust them, and in these changing times you need to be able to trust someone 5d

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dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf @lil1inblue @AnneCecilie
I'm glad you gave pros for each side because I see both sides as well. There are pros and cons to both types of people, and I find it difficult to choose which is worse. It seems that Shardlake does, too. Boy, I would never be good on a debate team! 🤣 5d

LiseWorks There is a verse in Revelations that talks about people who are neither hot nor cold. Christ doesn't like it. And the Protestants today still believe in the antichrist. I think I would have lived as far away from the castle as possible, lol. 5d

dabbe @LiseWorks I'm intrigued. What do you mean by Christ not liking “it“? He doesn't want people to be lukewarm?

And yeah, I'd live as far away from the castle as I could. I also would have avoided the London Bridge with all the poled heads, too. #oy 5d

LiseWorks @dabbe Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, nether cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 5d

dabbe @LiseWorks Holy guacamole, Batman! 😱 4d

Deblovestoread @lil1inblue nailed it. You can‘t trust the shifters because they really believe in nothing and those with unshakable faith often refuse to respect anyone who is different…much like today. 4d

dabbe @Deblovestoread #truth 4d

lil1inblue @Deblovestoread “much like today“... 🎯 🎯 🎯 3d

34 likes11 comments

dabbe

Lamentation | C.J. Sansom

#ShardlakeBR

#lamentation
Chapters 1-26

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

Daisey, Cuilin, Amiable, PurpleyPumpkin, Texreader, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Centique, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

lil1inblue I thought I had a prediction about the Lamentation case, but everything got turned upside down after we learned of Anne Askew's papers. 🤣 And there's so many missing people! I really have no idea about those cases now. 5d

lil1inblue The will dispute is so intriguing in a salacious way - I'm curious about the family history. And why is Isabel spying so much? I suspect there is more to this plotline than just the will dispute, but I'm not sure where it's going yet. 5d

AnneCecilie I hope the siblings end up with nothing. There‘s probably more to the case, but any person that can kick an animal to death is just evil. Everything I thought I knew about Lamentation changed in a heartbeat when the Anne Askew‘s papers showed up. 5d

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dabbe @lil1inblue @AnneCecilie I thought the same thing! When I found about Askew's missing papers, I was like what the hell? 😳 I do love how Sansom always has at least two separate cases that Shardlake is working on. Usually they end of entwined together in some way, but I wonder how the siblings' case can connect with the queen's. And that poor dog!!! Two dogs horrifically killed in these books. I still grieve over the spaniel in HEARTSTONE. 5d

LiseWorks The brother and sister case really intrigued me. Why do they hate each other? And the dog. I wanted Shardlake to take him home. 😔 My goodness, why do you write books if you know it can put you in danger? What was the queen thinking? 5d

dabbe @LiseWorks That's the magic question. I'd love to be able to ask her that! And the dog ... 😪 I'd like to kick Isabel hard enough to break a rib or two! 5d

Deblovestoread I think the piece of Lamentation was a plant to throw everyone off the scent of who really has it. I like this part of the mystery. I am curious about the sibling mystery and why the sister seems so crazy and why the will was written the way it was. (edited) 4d

dabbe @Deblovestoread She is a piece of work. Wish I could remember the secrets, but that's the fun in reading it again! 4d

28 likes8 comments

dabbe

Lamentation | C.J. Sansom

#ShardlakeBR
#lamentation
Chapters 1-26

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

Daisey, Cuilin, Amiable, PurpleyPumpkin, Texreader, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Centique, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

OutsmartYourShelf I feel sad for poor Timothy. Can understand Shardlake wanting him to learn a trade but why can he not stay there & eventually become the house steward? At least Shardlake would be able to trust him.

Gurone Bertano was indeed a real person - a papal diplomat, although he seems to be more involved in the reign of Elizabeth. Wants England to return to Rome but what makes him the 'Antichrist' to reformers? A lot of others wanted to do the same. 5d

lil1inblue After the last book, I didn't think I could loathe Richard Rich's character more. I was wrong. What a vile man he is! 5d

lil1inblue I was intrigued by Jane Fool, and I'm curious if we'll see her again in the second half. 5d

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AnneCecilie I hope the Slanning siblings end up with nothing of their inheritance. Such evilness. Most of these people are trying to survive and the closer to the top, the harder it is and then you get people like Richie Rich (edited) 5d

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf Excellent point about Timothy. I want him to stay with Shardlake, too!

I wonder about Bertano, too. How could he have struck such fear in Elias? And the 'Antichrist' is rather a strong label to pin on him. I'm hoping we'll find out why in the 2nd half. And I can't believe I've read this before and can't remember! 🤣 5d

dabbe @lil1inblue He truly is beyond despicable, isn't he? There isn't much positivity regarding him in the record books either! 5d

dabbe @AnneCecilie Another part I can't believe I don't remember. They both have secrets about each other that will come out later; I just can't remember what they are! 🤣 5d

dabbe @lil1inblue I think she is a lot wiser than she lets on. She seems cunning and sly to me behind her “fool“ishness. 5d

LiseWorks I love Elizabeth. She is so smart here. Mary, well, the religious part is why she became truly evil when she became Queen. And what is it with the Fool? I think she knows a lot more than she lets on. 5d

dabbe @LiseWorks I adore Elizabeth, too! At least how she's portrayed in these books. Mary--not at all. Jane? Something cunning about her. 5d

Deblovestoread I do not trust Martin, think he is RR‘s spy. I think Matthew‘s instincts about Jane Fool not being simple are spot on. I, too, think Timothy should be allowed to stay. And totally agree about the siblings fighting over the house neither deserve it but I do want to know the back story. Also I don‘t like that Matthew having a crush on the queen is a thing. Wish he could find a good someone to share his life with. (edited) 4d

dabbe @Deblovestoread Poor Matthew. I want him to find some happiness, too! 4d

29 likes12 comments

dabbe

Lamentation | C.J. Sansom

#ShardlakeBR
#chapters1-26

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

Daisey, Cuilin, Amiable, PurpleyPumpkin, Texreader, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Centique, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

OutsmartYourShelf An intriguing read so far. The uncertainty with the back & forth of Henry's religious changes leaves everyone caught between the two factions, & the fear of saying the wrong thing or being seen with the wrong person & being denounced & dragged off to the Tower must have been unbearable. 5d

lil1inblue I like this one so far. It does have a different tone than the last books. Shardlake seems more somber and melancholy, while those around him are more settled and content. I agree with @OutsmartYourShelf - the uncertainty and volatility of the time must have been just awful. 5d

AnneCecilie I‘m liking this one. It shows the times and how most people have reached a point where they‘re like “I believe as the King wants”. But I wish there was more Barak and Guy (edited) 5d

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dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf @lil1inblue @AnneCecilie So much political intrigue in this one! We actually get inside Whitehall and see the machinations of court. I agree with all of you re: feeling the torment and having to sway whichever way the king sways--it reminds me of how I feel in this country right now with a wannabe king creating as much turmoil as he can. At least we don't have the Tower ... yet. 5d

LiseWorks This book shows how families went against each other just for power. This religious fight between the catholics and Protestants is so ridiculous. I know that God himself is gagging over this. 5d

AnneCecilie I‘m in Europe so I don‘t feel it the same way as you do, but it is creating a lot of uncertainty 5d

dabbe @LiseWorks My views tend to lean towards Shardlake's: I doubt all religions, so the Catholic-Protestant battle reeks of ridiculousness IMHO. 5d

dabbe @AnneCecilie Most definitively. 5d

Deblovestoread Definitely those in power swinging the religion cudgel. The terror of burning would be horrific so of course your words should hold the party line and if your actions do not you risk everything. I like the court machinations in this one. 4d

dabbe @Deblovestoread It's fascinating, isn't it? 4d

kwmg40 I'm a bit behind in my reading, and I've just started this one. Will return to these questions when I'm farther along! 22h

dabbe @kwmg40 🤩 21h

29 likes12 comments

PurpleyPumpkin

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel | C. J. Sansom

pick

I started reading this back in September with my fellow Shardlakians and I just finished it today! Needless to say, I‘m woefully behind in the series but I‘m continuing on and hope to catch up eventually. 😅 This was a reread for me (I last read it in 2011) and it did not disappoint. Part history, part mystery, part fiction and completely entertaining! A great story told by a master storyteller. 4/5⭐️
#ShardlakeBR
(May 28, 2025)

dabbe

dabbe This one is so good! No worries. The discussion threads will still be here! 🤩 1w

PurpleyPumpkin @dabbe And I‘m so happy about that! Revisiting the discussion has been quite enjoyable. 😉 1w

dabbe @PurpleyPumpkin 😍 1w

36 likes3 comments

dabbe

Lamentation | C.J. Sansom

#ShardlakeBR ShardlakeSeriesBR @LitsyEvents

Hi, Shardlakians~
I can't believe we're due to discuss the first half of LAMENTATION this coming Saturday! I have five chapters to go, and so much is happening! 😱

Have a restful Memorial Day. 😍

Daisey, Cuilin, Amiable, PurpleyPumpkin, Texreader, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Centique, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, BookWrym

LiseWorks Oh my, I better get cracking 2w

dabbe @LiseWorks 😍🤣🤗 1w

lil1inblue I've only got a couple chapters to go! As always, I'm excited to see what others are thinking! 1w

dabbe @lil1inblue 🎯🩵🎯! 1w

48 likes4 comments

Daisey

Lamentation | C.J. Sansom

It‘s a beautiful Saturday evening, and I‘m enjoying a strawberry mule thanks to inspiration from @BarbaraJean while finishing the chapters for the May portion of Lamentation. I‘m enjoying it, but I miss the collaboration and comradeship of Shardlake, Barak, and Guy.

#ShardlakeBR #BooksAndBooze

dabbe

BarbaraJean Mmmm, strawberry mule 😋 2w

dabbe 🎯🩵🎯 Strawberry mule: YUM! 🤩 2w

tpixie Yum! 😋 2w

Amiable Gorgeous view! 😍 2w

Daisey @BarbaraJean @dabbe @tpixie @Amiable Yes, it was beautiful and so good! I‘ll definitely be keeping this recipe for strawberry season. 2w

54 likes5 comments

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